Hogging the AC pc's is indeed rude. It happens in the AS boardrooms as well, so I'm almost positive it isn't just an AA thing...rudeness is a universal deal.

If I really "had" to get online, I think there are "pay" pc's in the AC's (correct me if I'm wrong, I think it's a $3 min for 15 minutes). Get the company to pay for it as an emergency measure, if you will. WiFi is a great idea, too, I can't wait until it's more widely available.

The laptop suggestion is a good one as well; if you have to be online at a stopover in your travels for business, it helps to have the proper business tools.